Characteristics of the course of atopic dermatitis in children residing under conditions ofanthropogenic pollution

Abstract

Goal: to assess the impact of environmentally hazardous factors on the formation of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. Materials and methods: 108 children aged 1-18 were engaged in the study. The AD severity was analyzed based on the SCORAD index, data from the medical history and frequency of development of complications in children depending on the place of their residence. The elemental composition of hair was analyzed to assess the impact of anthropogenic pollution on childrens organisms. The Southeastern Administrative District (SEAD), which is unfavorable in terms of ecologic environment, and Western Administrative District (WAD) in Moscow, which is free of any human-induced pollution, were chosen as comparison areas. Results: More severe forms of AD in terms of clinical manifestations prevailed in children residing in the SEAD. The number of exacerbations per year was three times as high as the same index in children from the WAD, and there was no trend towards seasonality. The course of AD in children permanently residing in the district with human-induced pollution was characterized by complications with the accumulation of toxic elements in hair against the background of deficiency of essential elements as well as increased elimination of calcium from organisms resulting in low adaptive regulatory mechanisms. Conclusion: when children suffering from AD reside in a highly polluted area on a regular basis, this results in chronic intoxication of their organisms with heavy metals, which leads to deficiency of essential elements, reduction of adaptive mechanisms and severe course of dermatitis.